Rodgers gives verdict on enforcer display in Celtic win v Rosenborg, outlines expectations
By Danny Wright
Brendan Rodgers has hailed Nir Bitton for his strong performance in the Celtic defence as the earned a 1-0 win over Rosenborg on Wednesday night.
James Forrest scored the only goal over 180 minutes’ worth of action as the Hoops took themselves within one round of reaching the Champions League group stages.
Bitton, 25, was largely criticised for his performances in the green and white hoops last season despite Rodgers leading his mean to a domestic treble without a single defeat.
However the 20-times Israel international midfielder was deployed outside of his comfort zone on Wednesday as he featured as a centre-back alongside Jozo Simunovic after Erik Sviatchenko was substituted off in the 25th minute.
Rodgers has since given a rave review of Bitton for his solid display in the Celtic back four with the former Liverpool boss saying that it was the type of performance he would expect from the enforcer.
“Look at Nir Bitton tonight, coming into the game as a midfielder,” said the Hoops manager, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“I always love a midfielder who can play at centre-half and he came in and played as if he had played there all his life.
“(He showed) great composure, defended well and took the ball under pressure which we expect from him.”
Bitton hadn’t been used in any of Celtic’s Champions League fixtures so far this summer as he was left on the bench in both wins over Linfield and the goalless draw with Rosenborg at Parkhead last week.
Forrest’s 69th minute goal meant that Celtic are gearing up for a clash against one of Qarabag, Astana, Rijeka, Slavia Prague or Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the play-off.
A win over two leagues against either of those sides would see Rodgers lead his men to the group stages of the Championship.
In other Celtic news, fans have reacted to Callum McGregor’s display against the Norwegian side on Wednesday night.
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